Forty perfect of all insect species alive - bees, butterflies, beetles, and moths - are rapidly dying out, and studies suggest they could all vanish within this century (Page)! Actions need be taken to revive some of the declining numbers of insects and other species. If not now, it might be too late. The crumbling of the insects, could mark the end of humanity. To better understand the impact of insects, you should know that insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda, and of class Insecta the most diverse class in the kingdom. Insecta not only contains the most diverse chain of species, but arguably most the crucial (Wigglesworth). They are considered to be the foundation of all kingdoms. Insects play important roles in our ecosystem including, providing nutrition for billions of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Insects also recycle waste, and organic matter back into the soil. Maggots and flies, as gross as they are decompose dead material, like dead carcasses, and fecal droppings (Engel). It’s unfortunate to see, because every insect plays a different and crucial role in the ecosystem. Insects, considered primary consumers, naturally provide nutrition for other species, such as: dragonflies, frogs, lizards and other amphibians. Without a majority of earth’s insects, many secondary consumers will begin to fall over time (Smith). A study published in the journal of Biological Conservation states that forty percent of all insect species today, including pollinators, are in decline and could die out in the coming decades; meanwhile, a third of the species alive today have already made the endangered species list (Page). Scientists aren’t talking just talking about honeybees. There have been 20,000 different species of bees discovered to pollinate, and only one of those is the common honeybee. Many other insects can pollinate, as well, including: flies, mosquitoes, moths, beetles, ants, and wasps. Scientist from the National Conservation Service claim, “there is approximately 200,000 different species of animals around the world that act as pollinators” (Nicholls). In addition, “nearly ninety percent of all crops, and flowering plants require pollinators for survival, and reproduction” (Murawski). Pollination is a simple process of a powdery substance derived from the male gametes of the a flower, then transferred via insects to the stigma on another flower. It is actually impossible for these flowers to spread their seeds and reproduce without pollinating insects. We can appreciate insects a bit more, when we realize that one in three bites of food you eat, exist only because of pollinating insects. Unfortunately, David Hackenberg in 2006 reported a “ninety percent die-off rate among three thousand of his beehives.” U.S. National Agricultural Statistics show a decline in honeybee hives from about six million in 1947, to nearly two-and-a-half million in 2008, a sixty percent decline (Greenpeace). Sadly, the total of falling insects increase by two-and-a-half percent every year. This percentage shows insects could vanish completely within a hundred years (Carrington). Insects are crucial because they provide many ecological services: bait for consumers, natural waste production, pest control, decomposition, and pollination. Humans, and other species simply could not exist without insects. One major cause of the insect decline is the loss of natural habitat through contamination. According to University of California’s biologist Eric Mussen, a study found more than 150 different chemicals found in bee pollen and honey. Oddly enough, local and commercially-used pesticides are directly associated with ninety-percent of the pollinating bees dying off yearly (Greenpeace USA). The use of chemical pesticides contaminates, and harms local pollinators and other species through ingestion and contact, another example of human-caused impact. In addition to pollutants, Dr. Stuart Campbell from the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, states that plants exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide, a major component in smog, begins hyper-producing harmful chemicals in its leaves. Results from the study show that insects feeding on these leaves develop growth delays and abnormalities, which suggests high levels of air pollution may be causing negative effects on our herbivorous creatures (Science Daily). Countering all of this, there is still the epidemic of diseases causing insects. Some mosquitoes, lice, fleas, flies and ticks run the risk of transmitting many diseases and carry dangerous viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The results are deadly: Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Lyme Disease, Plague, along with Malaria being the most dangerous and prevalent (Cantico). According to Nature News, the U.S government has approved a “killer mosquito” to aid in fighting malaria carried by the A. Albopictus Mosquito. “This is a non-chemical way of dealing with mosquitoes,” says David O’Brochta. “Other insects, including different species of mosquitoes, are not harmed by the practice,” says Stephen Dobson, founder of MosquitoMate. Explained by the Dobson, “over time, as more of the altered male mosquitoes are released and bred with the wild female mosquitoes. The population of A. Albopictus mosquitoes begins to dwindle.” “If insect species losses cannot be halted, this will have catastrophic consequences for both the planet’s ecosystems and for the survival of mankind,” said Sánchez-Bayo. Insect declining is an urgent, global crisis. They are very important and beneficial through pollination, waste disposal, decomposition, pest control, and are necessary for secondary consumers. Without many of these bugs, many other dependent species can die out. Insects, though diverse and in abundance now, are actually dying at an exponential rate, and can cause a dramatic domino effect. Regrettably, if action is not taken seriously, this global catastrophe marks the beginning of humanity ending.

This petition is about giving the SURVIVOR population in Michigan the proper notice, consideration and respect while seeking their input, if and when there are to be any laws changed, revisited, lifted from or added to the state of Michigan's judicial process, system(s), codes, rules, or regulations which will effect the SURVIVORS quality of living. Lawmakers of Michigan do not have the right to make such drastic changes without first consulting with those whom will be directly impacted by their decisions. I am a SURVIVOR/CONQUEROR of childhood sexual abuse, this coming change directly impacts not only my family’s quality of life and living in this State of Michigan, but all families inhibiting the state. ACE's Adverse Childhood Experiences like sexual abuse become " life sentences" of emptiness, shame, hate, guilt, confusion, depression, addictions, ptsd, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and actions for us on the surviving side. We are now beginning to create the safer environments we needed as children for the benefit of future generations. We the SURVIVOR population demand that all 40,000 cases being presented in the class action lawsuit against the State of Michigan by ACLU and UofM be examined and investigated 1 by 1 case by case, as all 40,000 were not tried or convicted at the same time therefore these 40,000 cases can not and should not be lifted or revised in such a manner. Each Survivor must have their voice heard and personal right to safety respected.

Having heard Michael Cohen's testimony wherein he stated he does not believe that President Trump will allow a peaceful transition and having heard Trump's statements about rigged elections and unauthorized voting we need public reassurance that President Trump will accept the results of the 2020 presidential election. We also need to know that everyone in the House and Senate will stand up for our democratic process and make it clear that we should accept the results of the vote and not allow it to be called into question either before or after.

Desalination is the process of removing salt from water; i.e. saltwater (most of earth’s water) to freshwater (precious little). Yes, it’s costly in the beginning, and yes, there are costs of upkeep as well. But the same was true when building a national electric grid, or laying fiber optic cables for our digital data; nobody would argue that those weren’t worthwhile investments. This will help us preserve the natural ecosystems of our lakes and rivers, create jobs, secure reliable water sources for the foreseeable future, lead the way in a taking action on climate change, give us an opportunity to switch over from much of our aging water infrastructure systems, and take preemptive action to brace for the effects of climate change that we already know are a certainty. Sign this petition and send a message to the leaders of California that we want a plan for the future, that we will not have to face the possibility of running out of fresh water.

Thousands if not hundreds lose their lives to guns. With each passing day, American's grieve over their loved ones passing. They shouldn't have to suffer and neither should we.

As young people realize, time is of the essence.

We are petitioning to make both state and federal election days state holidays. Automatic voter registration for 18-year-olds will help the voter percentage improve from 75.51% in 2016. way to help bring up the percentage of people voting is to make election day a statewide holiday. For this reason, underprivileged people will not be able to contribute their votes; therefore, would allow for impoverished people People experiencing poverty cannot afford to miss a day of work because they might not be paid or even worse lose their jobs. By this, they do not contribute to the final vote and do not get to their voices heard. Making this day a holiday would allow for a side of view from the people in poverty. Upper to middle-class people have the opportunity to miss a day of work because of their social and class status. If these two issues get resolved it will allow more people to vote and communicate what they think is best for their community and themselves. According to the ATD Harvard research project, people in poverty lack voice and participation in power and experience social isolation. Both of these will help the community because more people will have a say in what happens to them. Also, it could help people in poverty be happier and have better lives because if they contribute then they will get what they need to make their lives better.

At any minute, the President of the United States can start a nuclear war all by himself — a war that could kill everyone on the planet. There’s no such thing as a small nuclear war. You, me, everyone we know and love, would be impacted. It’s terrifying. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, dozens of candidates are running to be our next Commander-in-chief. We need to get them on the record NOW committed to making this important policy shift the official policy for the United States. Add your name to demand a public commitment from every 2020 presidential candidate to institute a policy against the first use of nuclear weapons if elected president.

Regarding development of property at South East Corner of Lake Avenue and Felton Street, Michigan City, aka Lakeside Townhomes: the recent passing ordinance 4509 allows development of local lots to be R1D. This allows TWO family dwellings on our small lots. R1D is considered an urban plan, R1D zoning states that the intent is to maintain and enhance traditional, walkable, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods and provide for urban infill development that is of a form and character consistent with established historic districts. R1D is only intended for incorporated areas of cities where all necessary utilities and community services are available to serve a higher density population. This is a beach community, the population increases substantially during the summer. Sidewalks are nonexistant in many places and many existing sidewalks need repair. Traffic is extremely heavy as this neighborhood provides access/egress to/from Washington Park and much of the beach community to Route 12. Center/Kreuger street and Felton Streets are overloaded with daily traffic now. Adding in seasonal traffic has caused neighborhood concern for pedestrian safety as well as traffic safety. Adding 10-40 more vehicles and pedestrians have potential for serious problems. Our property values will decline due to overcrowding. As there are many lots available in this area, this ordinance is setting a negative precedence for overcrowding. This change will NOT promote orderly and responsible community growth. This change WILL adversely affect our community. We welcome single family developments on these lots.

I am from the heart of tornado alley, from a town where many cannot afford the cost of a cable subscription. The ability to access local news channels on Hulu Live from any device would mean people could access live weather coverage wherever they were, including from underground storm shelters. It would save lives.

Childhood memories at a good time and place in our lives.

This petition is being made to stop the consumption of live animals. There are so many "delicate" dishes that involve inhumane practices and suffering. There is a popular dish in Guangdong, monkeys are put under a table where there head pokes through the top, and you are to eat there brain while they are still alive screaming! In china there is a dish called ying yang yu. It is a fish half severely fried but just enough to where its organs are undamaged and its head untouched so it can live for 30 minutes. Its sickening to see people laugh at its pain and poke it for a reaction, all i see is the pain in its eyes as it begs to die. There is a dish in China called Huo Jiao Lu. It is the practice of eating a live donkey. They tie its legs together and cut into it and serve the pieces of the suffering animal directly to the customer. The animal stays alive until it can no longer handle the pain and loses to much blood. These are only the few of so many, please help me to end this pain and save the animals that suffer for entertainment and satisfaction.